Ponce, Puerto Rico
Ponce is a city in Puerto Rico with a population of 150,000.
Below Average vs Puerto Rico Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Ponce vs Puerto Rico Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 33.0%
- Sales Tax: 10.5%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $20,000
- Unemployment: 12.0%
- Population: 150,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 275/year
- Summer High: 89°F
- Winter Low: 71°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: $150,000
- 1BR Rent: $600/mo
Cost of Living
Ponce's cost of living index is 88 (Puerto Rico average = 100).
| Category | Ponce | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
| Housing | 90 | 100 | -10.0% |
Data source: Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $150,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $600/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $750/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $100 |
Data source: Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Ponce:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $0 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | $64 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $0 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $0 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | $64 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: National Utility Regulator, 2025
Remote Work Score
Ponce scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Ponce has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 91°F | 71°F | 2.5" |
| April | 74°F | 86°F | 2.8" |
| July | 89°F | 64°F | 1.5" |
| October | 69°F | 89°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Ponce faces the following natural hazards:
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Significant hurricane risk.
Caribbean island with tsunami risk.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 33%
- Sales Tax: 10.5%
- Property Tax: ~0% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 12.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Ponce per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Standard academic calendar.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Ponce, Puerto Rico?
The cost of living index in Ponce is 88, which is Lower the Puerto Rico national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Ponce?
The median home price in Ponce is $150,000. The housing index is 90.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Ponce is approximately $600/mo.
Does Ponce, Ponce have income tax?
Ponce is in Ponce, which has an income tax rate of 33%.
What is the climate like in Ponce?
Ponce enjoys approximately 275 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 89°F, while winter lows can drop to around 71°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: National Statistics, 2024
- Utilities National Utility Regulator, 2025
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.